Episode 3
Sujata had always felt a mix of pity and exasperation when dealing with her father-in-law. His mental faculties had begun to deteriorate in recent years, leaving him as dependent as a newborn. Each night, after the dinner she meticulously prepared, she found herself playing the role of caregiver. She would sleep beside him on the bedsheet, the soft glow of the muted television flickering across the room. The air was thick with the scent of garlic and turmeric, a lingering reminder of the meal they had shared with the rest of the family.
Her mother-in-law had retreated to her favorite armchair, the springs groaning slightly under her weight as she settled in for the evening. The remote control was clutched in her hand, ready to navigate through the endless stream of reality shows and soap operas that filled their quiet evenings. Sujata knew that she was grateful for the help. The woman had grown weary of her husband's constant need for attention, his childlike demands wearing on her patience.
After watching the tv for some time Sujata turned towards her father-in-law and taking him in her arms gently began to pat her father-in-law's back, whispering soothing nothings into his ear as she had learned to do over the last few months. His eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, she thought she had succeeded in coaxing him to sleep. But just as she started to relax, his eyes snapped open again, and he began to fidget restlessly. She sighed, her hand still rhythmically patting his back.
With a knowing look from her mother-in-law, who had witnessed this nightly dance countless times before, Sujata shifted her position. Carefully, she unbuttoned the top of her comfortable black maxi and took out a firm round breast. Her father-in-law's eyes widened in anticipation, his mouth forming an eager 'O' as she brought its nipple to his lips. He started sucking it earnestly and loud suckling noise filled the room, punctuating the silence like a metronome as he began to feed.
Sujata's mother-in-law glanced over, a look of resignation etched on her face. "It's a good thing you have so much milk," she said, not taking her eyes off the TV screen. "He's been like this for a while now."
Sujata nodded, feeling the warmth spread through her body as he nursed. She had never imagined her life would come to this, but she had accepted it as part of her duty. The months of this unusual routine had brought a strange sense of normalcy to their lives. She felt a pang of embarrassment , but she also felt a strange sense of satisfaction in her ability to provide comfort to the man who had once been the head of the household.
As she watched the TV flicker with the dramatic scenes playing out before them, she couldn't help but think about the curious path life had led her down. Her breasts, once reserved for the private moments with her own child, had become a source of solace for someone she had never expected to nurture in such a way. She talked with her mother-in-law sharing her thoughts about the increase in milk production that had occurred since she started this peculiar practice.
Her mother-in-law chuckled from the sofa. "It's like you're lactating for our whole family." she said, without looking away from the TV. "But as long as it keeps him calm, I suppose it's worth it."
Sujata couldn't argue with that logic. As she held her father-in-law close, her hand cupping the back of his head, she was gently holding her breast in his mouth with two of her fingers. She felt the weight of his body grow heavier, his breathing deepening into the steady rhythm of sleep. The world outside their dimly lit room continued on, oblivious to the strange dynamics within. But for now, in this quiet corner of their home, the only sounds were the muffled TV and the gentle slurps of a man finding peace in a most unexpected way...